The iconic Villa Kolb, a futuristic round glass house designed by the renowned Swiss architect and designer Otto Kolb, has recently entered the real estate market with an asking price of 3.7 million Swiss francs. This architectural masterpiece, which Kolb built for himself and his family in 1983, has remained uninhabited since 2022 following the death of his wife Jane Kolb. Located in Wermatswil within the municipality of Uster in the Zurich Oberland, the property encompasses 2,800 square meters of land with 150 square meters of living space. The sale represents a rare opportunity to acquire a significant piece of Swiss design history, though the unconventional layout may not suit every buyer's lifestyle.
Otto Kolb, who lived from 1921 to 1996, conceived the villa as a manifestation of his philosophical belief in living in absolute harmony with nature. He famously quoted psychoanalyst Carl Jung in his manuscript for the house: "A person's house should be round to recall the protected bosom of the mother." This principle guided the creation of the building's distinctive circular form, which locals colloquially refer to as the "Spaceship." The lower level is partially embedded into the hillside, creating a seamless integration with the surrounding landscape, while a small pond sits in front of the entrance, further connecting the structure to its natural environment.
The villa's interior features an open floor plan organized around a central fireplace that extends through both floors of the living area. This architectural element serves as the heart of the home, both literally and symbolically. A unique spindle-shaped spiral staircase, which Kolb invented and patented, winds around the fireplace, representing an innovation that actually helped finance the architect's career. The open design extends vertically, creating dramatic double-height spaces that distinguish the villa from conventional residential architecture, though this transparency comes at the cost of privacy.
Since Jane Kolb's death in 2022, the interior has accumulated dust and requires updating to meet contemporary standards. The open layout, while excellent for entertaining as daughter Claudia Kolb noted in 2016, presents challenges for modern living where privacy is often valued. The property's forest-adjacent location appeals to nature enthusiasts, but the extensive glass walls mean residents live visibly within their surroundings. This trade-off between architectural significance and practical livability defines the villa's unique position in the market.
The Zurich cantonal heritage commission's 2022 assessment recognized Villa Kolb as a protected historical monument, describing it in architectural terms as a "total work of art" that unifies form, space, construction, and energy concept. This designation ensures any modifications must preserve the building's historical integrity, potentially limiting renovation options for new owners. The property represents not just a home but a piece of Swiss architectural history, documented and preserved for future generations. For architecture enthusiasts, this status adds significant value beyond the physical structure itself.
At 3.7 million francs, some observers consider the price tag inflated by as much as 2 million francs, reflecting the niche market for experimental architecture. However, for collectors and architecture aficionados who appreciate Kolb's vision, the villa offers an irreplaceable opportunity to inhabit a documented masterpiece. The sale includes not only the physical structure but also the legacy of one of Switzerland's most innovative designers, making it a cultural investment as much as a real estate purchase. Interested buyers must weigh the premium price against the privilege of preserving this architectural jewel for posterity.
